Tag: Rebecca Anderson

The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall by Rebecca Anderson

On By TracyIn Gothic Historical, Historical Mystery, Standalone Title, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

The Orchids of Ashthorne HallThe Orchids of Ashthorne Hall by Rebecca Anderson

Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series:  A Proper Romance – Standalone

Release Date: April 2, 2024

Hyacinth Bell has spent the better part of her adult life studying botany and has garnered a reputation as an expert in the care and cultivation of orchids. It is that reputation that lands her the opportunity of a lifetime, to act as temporary caretaker to an unprecedented collection of orchids at Ashthorne Hall, while the family is in India. Excited beyond measure to begin this new adventure, Hyacinth sets out for the wilds of the Cornish moors, but things are not exactly going as expected.

After being warned about ghosts and strange goings-on at the manor, Hyacinth is torn between excitement and fear, especially when she learns that the only staff in the house is Mrs. Carter, the housekeeper, a sullen woman who dashes any hopes Hyacinth had of forming a kinship. Mrs. Carter proceeds to shoot down all of Hyacinth’s plans to explore the house when she makes it clear that other than the kitchen, a couple of drawing rooms and her bedroom, the rest of the house is off-limits, especially the North Wing. Hyacinth is curious and wants to be respectful of her employer’s rules, but a glimpse of what could possibly be the ghost she was warned about, brings out the rebel in Hyacinth. Will she find the ghost, or is there something even more sinister lurking in the forbidden rooms of Ashthorne Hall? And will the secretive, yet charming and handsome caretaker, Lucas Hastings, supply answers or just add to the already mounting pile of questions?

This was a wonderful book, well-written and nicely paced with a distinctly gothic vibe. The book has a bit of everything you could want in a gothic romance, rain-swept moors, a dark, drafty manor, ghosts, mysterious lights, locked doors, unexplained items showing up in the middle of the night, a handsome yet secretive caretaker, a protective yet stern housekeeper, a sweet budding romance, shocking revelations, moments of thrilling suspense and finally a spectacular ending complete with HEA and an epilogue. I loved this book and would happily recommend it, the author clearly did her research and gives readers a heartbreaking story with a very sweet love story woven in. If you love a gothic-like vibe, with wonderful characters, kissing only love scenes and a happy ending – this book is for you!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

The Art of Love and Lies by Rebecca Anderson

On By TracyIn Part of a Series, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

The Art of Love and LiesThe Art of Love and Lies by Rebecca Anderson

Tracy’s rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: Part of the “A Proper Romance” series

Release Date: August 08/2023

Gifted Artist Rosanna Hawkins makes a living by painting “parlor” copies of priceless artwork that her employer sells to upper-middle-class families in Manchester, England, and together they have a successful partnership. Her personal life takes a turn when she meets detective Martin Harrison, who is in charge of security, while touring the Art Treasures Exhibition and finds a kindred spirit and someone she believes she could share a future with. But when her reproductions are connected to stolen masterpieces, everything in her life including her blossoming romance is in jeopardy unless she can convince Martin that she is innocent and garner his help in finding the real thief.

Martin immediately falls for Rosanna, but due to his father’s notorious past, he can’t quite accept her work as legit and when priceless paintings are found to have been replaced with her reproductions, he wants to believe she is innocent, but all evidence point to her being the thief. Will he be able to trust his heart and work with her to find the real thief or will a lifetime of mistrust cost him a chance for HEA?

This is a new-to-me author and apparently, this is part of “A Proper Romance” series, which I have never read, so perhaps I was at a disadvantage right from the start. I thought the writing was good, although a bit wordy, dry, and meandering at times, yet at the same time the mystery was interesting and the author’s writing is descriptive. The romance was very lowkey and while a no-heat romance is fine, I felt like this book could have used a bit of spice to liven things up. Overall it was a good read and I would be willing to read more of this author’s work, but this story was very “art-centric” and that just isn’t my cuppa.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*